Scouting Report: Jonathan Allen

Alabama
Defensive Line #93
Senior, 6’3″ 295

Jonathan Allen is the defensive leader for the vaunted Crimson Tide defense and arguably one of the best front seven prospects to come out of Alabama or the country for that matter in the past five years. Had Allen decided to come out as a junior, he would have easily been a first round pick. A 2015 All First team SEC selection with 19 solo tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss to go along with 12 sacks as a junior, he dominated the talent laden SEC. Allen picked right up where he left in his senior year and continued to show off his immense skill set.

Extremely versatile. Can fit in any defensive scheme.

Powerful at the point of attack and difficult to move.

Explosive off the line, especially for a player of his size. Consistently allows him to play in the backfield.

Great Technique. Hand placement is consistent and shows a variety of moves to get generate pressure.

High Football IQ. Recognizes what an opposing offense is trying to accomplish. Reads and reacts to screens and traps.

High motor. Allen is rarely seen giving up on a play and always purses the ball carrier on the backside.

A former five-star recruit and one of the top recruits in the nation, Allen was voted the 2012 Virginia football player of the year. As a freshman, Allen managed to find his way into the defensive line rotation appearing in 13 games for Nick Saban and company. Entering his sophomore year, Allen quickly established himself as a dominant player and earned First Team All-Sec, something that would become the norm Allen over the next three years.

Alabama has been a factory for developing NFL talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball and Allen may be the most versatile and pro ready of them all. Allen became the defensive leader for the Crimson Tide in 2015 and continued to establish his dominance as a Senior in 2016. There is so much to like about his game including his versatility making him a safe pick for any team that drafts him.

Above I mention how strong and quick Allen is off the line. This video shows both of these strengths but also notice his hand placement. He never allows either of the lineman to get their hands inside of him as he overpowers both players and delivers a hit on the quarterback.

There is very little not to like about Allen’s game and you almost gave to be over critical to find flaws. My only knock, and say this as being over critical is that he can play a little high at times, however this appears to be mostly from fatigue rather then any poor mechanics. Through his Senior season he’s continued to show his versatility, which may be his greatest strength and willingness to do whatever is asked of him. In a deep defensive line class, Allen is only second to Myles Garrett but, unlike Garrett, is a versatile defender. Look for Allen to be drafted at the top of end of Round 1 come April.

Round Value: Top 10 pick.

Player Comparison: Fletcher Cox.

I had a hard time coming up with a comparison for Allen. I settled on Fletcher Cox due to his ability to play in a 3-4 or a 4-3. He also reminds of Cox with his strength ability to win at the point of attack. Both of these players are extremely strong with similar measurables coming out of the SEC. Like Cox, Allen has the ability to take over a game no matter where you play him.